Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Thyroid dysfunction is well documented in patients with thalassemia major those required frequent blood transfusions.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism among
patients suffering from B-thalassemia major and their association with treatment protocol.
PATIENTS &METHODS:
Descriptive cross sectional study conducted in Al-Ramadi maternity and children teaching hospital from 1st of January 2013 to the 1st of January 2014. Sixty patients with thalassemia major aged 2-20 years were studied.
Age ,sex ,age of 1st blood transfusion, frequency of blood transfusion per year, doses ,duration and method of chelating agent administration were recorded .Hb level ,serum ferritin concentration and thyroid function test( T4,T3,TSH) were measured.
RESULTS:
thyroid dysfunction recorded in 8(13.3%)cases,3(5%)overt hypothyroidism,5(8.3%)subclinical hypothyroidism , mean age 19±1 years. serum ferritin level, Hb level and age of first transfusion were statistically significant in patients with thyroid dysfunction while TSB and liver enzymes levels were statistically insignificant in studied cases.
CONCLUSION:
Hypothyroidism is an important problem in thalassemia major patients. Regular annual follow- up is essential for early detection and appropriate replacement therapy . the use of effective combined chelating therapy in sufficient quantities as well as regular blood transfusion may lead to prevention of hypothyroidism in beta thalassemic patients